Call their bluff
One of the phonier arguments in the impeachment fight is the GOP claim that Congress should vote on the process before it goes an inch further. House Speaker and impeachment quarterback Nancy Pelosi is shying away from the challenge, a stance that’s creating a needless sideshow.
For the record, there’s no need for a vote. Three congressional committees are investigating claims against President Trump, inquiries that are duly allowed by the Constitution. There is no requirement that the entire House vote while evidence is gathered.
What the GOP is really after is smoking out House Democrats in marginal districts, especially firsttermers who edged out Republican incumbents last time around. Impeachment may not be popular in these swing locations and the San Francisco Democrat wants to guard her troops.
Thus, an argument on fair process from GOP leaders is really just a ploy. This week Pelosi brushed off the vote “at this time” after huddling with House members.
She shouldn’t play it so cautiously and allow Trump defenders to harp on a distraction. Let the House vote to bless the impeachment path and erase the Republican challenge. There’s an added bonus: GOP members themselves would have to go on record. With each daily disclosure of White House transgressions and the flood of damning testimony to the House committees, there shouldn’t be any doubt that an deepdive inquiry is in order.
There’s room for a reality check in this standoff. Despite the legal duty to cooperate, the White House is stonewalling information requests and subpoenas. A House vote isn’t likely to change this deadset position. But an authorizing vote would add political punch to a wellwarranted investigation and erase a nonsensical talking point.
Pelosi has a chance to hit back at GOP footdragging and denial. Let the House vote and get on with it.